Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)Looking to lose that spare tire? Ideal weight 200+? Frustrated being a large cyclist in a sport geared for the ultra-light? Learn about the bikes and parts that can take the abuse of a heavier cyclist, how to keep your body going while losing the weight, and get support from others who've been successful.

So there was a local bike swap and I wasn't expecting to get a new bike (planned on spending a lot more in a couple of months on something brand new). I did get a great deal on Magicshine 808E light with the regular lens and the beam spreader lens for $60 (new with warranty) and some other odds and ends. It was fun to geek out on bikes for a while.

However on my way out I came across this beautiful blue bike hanging in a rack with some friends. It was a 1999 Specialized Allez A1 that looked well kept but loved. Talked to the guy selling it and (supposedly anyway) it was his neighbors commuter bike that was ridden to the train, locked up, and ridden home after work.

It has the 105 components on it, 27 speeds (so older 9 speed 105's), new seat and upgraded stem. The rims were slightly mismatched BUT I will be getting some Mavics for it as well as changing the shifters since the rear one was acting up (don't have to but probably will) and it is setup for Flight Deck which I find something I will invest in. I got it for $195 and the frame is near mint (minus some scratches). I'll be keeping the rear rim on it since it is a newer Sta-Tru rim and using that for when it is on the trainer once I get the new rims.

So basically I'll spend $300 more for the rims, shifters and pedals and be set. So the original budget will have some wiggle room which means more organized rides this year .

I am thinking of name her "Babe" as in Babe the blue ox since it is almost completely blue.